Inter-Juventus is on Saturday, but GigiSimoni says the Nerazzurri are the “moral victors” of the 1998 Scudetto.

Perhaps the most infamous edition of the Derby d’Italia was in 1998, when Ronaldo was denied a penalty for a collision with Mark Iuliano and the Bianconeri’s 1-0 win proved pivotal for the title.

“In my view Inter are the moral victors of that match in 1998 and not just that game,” then-Inter Coach Simoni told Calcionews24.

“I try not to think about it too much, but every fan remembers that incident which was sad for all of Italian football.

“The problem was not just that match, but the whole campaign, for example our encounter with Empoli. Juve should not have won that Scudetto, as many people were conditioned by the Bianconeri, who then paid the consequences in Calciopoli and the Scudetto lost in Perugia.”

Although Juventus were penalised for the Calciopoli scandal, the 1998 1-0 win over Inter was not included in the case.

“I smile thinking back to Calciopoli, as to be honest my mind did go back to 1998,” continued Simoni.

“Has much changed today? I see a great deal of mediocrity in referees and a certain bowing down still exists, although not as bad as in the past.

“Certain players in certain teams can do and say anything they want. This is obvious and anyone who denies it is a liar...”

Simoni also commented on this weekend’s clash between Inter and Juventus, who are joint top of the table with Fiorentina, Napoli and Roma.

“As for Saturday, we can expect a surprise. In normal conditions Juve would be favourites, but so early into the season Inter could well win.”